BAGGAGE INFORMATIONCheck-in baggage
All passengers have the right to check one bag with a maximum weight of 40 pounds/18 kilos and a maximum size not exceeding 50 linear inches / 127 cm (length + width + height). Any luggage exceeding weight allowance and/or size will be subject to space availability and charged according to the excess luggage fees. Over-sized luggage or bags exceeding 60 pounds will be charged as cargo and will be subject to space availability.
Excess luggage must be paid for at the airport, before flying. The following fees apply:
1-5 pounds $7 / 6-15 pounds $20 / 16-30 pounds $40 / 31-60 pounds $60
Sporting equipment such as surfboards are subject to space and have an extra charge of $40 per flight.Carry-on baggage
All passengers may bring one piece of carry-on luggage as long as it does not exceed the 10 lbs. weight limit and a maximum size not exceeding 33 linear inches/84 cm (length + height + width). Any carry-on luggage exceeding the maximum weight and/or size will be considered and charged as excess luggage.

Day 2

MINIVAN FULL DAY TOUR (8-12 HOURS)REGULAR GUIDE PER DAY (ENGLISH)ENTRANCE FEE TO POAS VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK

The Poas Volcano is one of the world’s largest geysers with an awesome crater, over 1.5 km. wide! The volcano is active, but completely safe for viewing. This visit begins with a beautiful drive through the lush coffee plantations and flower farms of the area. In addition to the volcano, the Poas National Park is a 9,884-acre reserve with rich tropical vegetation and animal life. If weather and time permits, the visit can also include a hike through the surrounding forest that is teeming with typical plant life and exotic birds, finishing at a restful, emerald green, tropical lagoon.

ENTRANCE + LUNCH TO LA PAZ WATERFALL GARDENS

Located only one hour driving from San Jose, La Paz Waterfall Gardens is a private reserve of more than 70 acres (28 hectares). It features five waterfalls, safe hiking trails and animal exhibits among other interesting attractions. The property allows visitors to wander through 2 miles of paved trails which take them to some awesome waterfalls. The La Paz Waterfall is the most famous as it can be seen from the road. In the park, guests are afforded views from platforms above, below and in front of the falls for great photo opportunities. The Hummingbird Garden attracts 26 different species of hummingbirds. In the Butterfly Garden and on-site laboratory, visitors will have the opportunity to observe the most colorful species of butterflies while learning about the lifecycle and metamorphosis of these beautiful creatures. The Serpentarium exhibits 30 of the most beautiful and deadly snakes of the country including the Golden Eyelash Viper. In the Ranarium, frogs roam freely throughout a landscaped enclosure taken care by knowledgeable guides.

La Casita de la Paz is a farmhouse reproduction that gives a cultural insight into the lives of rural Costa Ricans. The park has also a refuge for wild birds and felines. These birds and wild cats come from a center that lost funding and had to close. Since the MINAE (the Costa Rican Ministry of the Environment) did not have the resources to care for these animals, they were placed under the care of La Paz Waterfall Gardens. These cats were either very old, injured or had been exposed to humans for too long to be released back into the wild. Many of the birds have been either captured illegally by hunters and confiscated by the government or donated by their owners and lack the basic skills to survive in the wild on their own.

Important note: The Park ranges in altitude from 5,200 feet to 4,200 feet so it can get chilly when the clouds roll in.

Day 3

San José to Tortuguero

Lodging in Manatus Hotel, Deluxe room. All meals are included in the hotel.

The fascinating Afro-Caribbean culture, a combination of Jamaican, Italian and Chinese immigrants, predominates in this region and fills the atmosphere with fragrances, tropical rhythms and brilliant colors, which mixes with the daily work of many of the inhabitants on the banana plantations and the ports of Limon and Moin.

After the South Pacific, this is the rainiest region in the country and this factor, combined with high temperatures, makes it a very humid area throughout the year.

Along this area you can observe small groups of houses among the plantations of cassava, annatto, and bananas, as well as a vast number of beautiful beaches on the southern part of the coast, coral reefs, and protected areas with small trails which permit the access into the heart of the tropical forest.

MANATUS HOTEL
Check-in: 12:00 – Check-out: 09:00
Only few minutes away from Tortuguero National Park, this hotel is located on a land strip between two canals. The property features 12 stylish bungalows surrounded by tropical vegetation, ideal for the rest and the delight of the guests. Additionally, this Costa Rica hotel offers an excellent a la carte restaurant the Ara Macaw, bar, swimming pool in front of the main canal, Spa services in the privacy of the bedroom, internet access around the property, pool table, laundry service, fitness room, and a small art gallery. Besides the tour included in the stay package, guests can optionally also enjoy this wonderful area by aquatic bike and kayak or they can go fishing, do canopy or bird watching as well as observing turtles nesting on the beach during season (July through September). Manatus offers a nice combination between first class services, unique in Tortuguero, combining the luxury and comfort with the beauty of the tropical forest. The hotel has the National Geographic flag, which was granted thanks to the support given to the manatee protection program, since the manatee is an endangered species in the region.

Important notes:

Beverages are not included.

Day 4

One-Day Tour: Tortuguero (B, L, D)

Lodging in Manatus Hotel, Deluxe room. All meals are included in the hotel.

With 11 distinct life zones ranging from raffia palm forest to herbaceous swamps, the park offers one of the most rewarding nature experiences in the country. This watery world is best seen by boat, the wide canals allow grandstand wildlife viewing, and silent approaches on the water permit unusually close contact with the fauna. River otters, caimans, and howler monkeys are easily sighted as are birds such as oropendolas, toucans, and jacamars and other waterfowl.

For most visitors, the star attraction is the green turtle, which nests between June and November. Three other species of marine turtles also come ashore throughout the year, although in lesser numbers

Optional night tour (not included in the package) from July to September to observe the turtle nesting.

Day 5

Tortuguero to Arenal - Breakfast and lunch included.

PRIVATE TRANSFERT GUAPILES – ARENAL

San Carlos offers a landscape of exceptional beauty with its forests, lagoons, fields of crops, rivers with hot springs, and the most active volcano of Costa Rica: Arenal. In other words, sanctuaries where one can breathe peace, purity and the majestic power of nature.

At only 10 minutes away from La Fortuna, Arenal Kioro is located on a hill top, right in front of Arenal Volcano offering the most breathtaking views of the valley below and the volcano above. The hotel has 27 acres of undulating land, surrounded by two streams of crystalline waters. It features 53 two terrace suites (11 suites with one King bed and a daybed and 42 suites with two Queen bed and a daybed) equipped with air conditioning, cable TV, telephone, radio alarm clock, free internet access, coffee maker, mini bar, safe deposit box, hair dryer and a great Jacuzzi overlooking the volcano.

Rooms for disabled guests are also available. Neidín Spa offers great variety of facial and body treatments that provides peace and relaxation. There are also seven thermal hot springs of volcanic origin, containing minerals good for the skin. In addition, guests have free access to exclusive Titokú Hot Springs, located off premises, five minutes away from the hotel, and featuring eight hot spring pools with hydromassage of different temperatures.

This luxurious property offers four dining options: Heliconias Restaurant, in the main building, with a panoramic view of the volcano; Orquídeas, a casual restaurant next to the swimming pool; El Pilón, for group reservations and El Higuerón Bar, next to the hot springs.

Arenal Kioro has a well assorted gift shop, a mini gym, ping pong and pool tables, two fully equipped conference rooms and offers also laundry service, room service and a private parking lot. A perfect place for a family retreat or a honeymoon getaway.

Day 7

Exploring the Arenal Volcano Region

This is a relaxing Costa Rica tour of bike ride through tropical forest on a paved road. The ride takes the group on an old road connecting the Arenal Dam with the main entrance to Arenal Volcano National Park. From there they go towards the village of El Castillo, biking on a quiet road surrounded by dense forest and cattle farms. Along the ride, the group may observe howling monkeys, coatis and birds such as toucans, egrets and king fishers. The volcano is visible during the whole journey. Depending on the bikers’ energy and interests, they can also go across the Arenal Dam and bike on the road along the north side of Arenal Lake. This road has very little traffic and offers great views of the lake and the volcano.Distance: 8 miles approx.Altitude: 280 feet to 600 feetDifficulty: Beginner to intermediate.Departure from La Fortuna: 8:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.Included: Good-quality mountain bikes (Cannondale & Trek), sizes: Small, Medium & Large; helmets & gloves, support vehicle (equipped with first aid kits, rain ponchos, spare parts and complete tool kits), bilingual guide and picnic (water, fruits and snacks).Important note: This tour is recommended for children over 10 years old.

Day 8

Arenal to Monteverde

This service, half tour half transfer, is a picturesque and fast way to go to Monteverde from Arenal Volcano area. After a 30 minutes ride to the dam, you will board a very comfortable and safe pontoon boat. After crossing the lake, (a 30 to 40-minute boat ride), you will arrive to Río Chiquita, a little town at the other side. Arenal Lake is the largest and the most important artificial lake in Costa Rica.

It was man made in 1974 to provide hydroelectric energy for the country. It is also a place where you can find different kinds of resident and migratory birds; sometimes mammals such as monkeys and sloths can also be seen. In addition, in a clear day, there are great views of the Arenal Volcano. Once at Río Chiquito, a bus will take passengers to selected hotel in Monteverde.

Day 10

Monteverde to Punta Islita

Lodging in Punta Islita Hotel. Breakfast included.PRIVATE TRANSFER MONTEVERDE - PUNTA ISLITA
Your next destination will be one of the prettiest Costa Rica beacheslocated in the province of Guanacaste, Islita beach.

It features 32 guestrooms and 22 Villas of different categories: 16 Deluxe rooms, 8 Suites, 8 Casitas, 11 two-bedroom Villas, 10 three-bedroom Villas and one four-bedroom Villa. All accommodations have a private terrace, air conditioning, cable TV, telephone, coffee maker, mini bar, bathroom with a bathtub and hair dryer. In addition, villas are completely equipped and have a private swimming pool.

Local fresh ingredients are the signature elements of Hotel Punta Islita’s dining options. Featuring distinct ambiances, its restaurants entice guests with exciting tropical flavors served with Costa Rican flair. The infinity-edge pool sits at the pinnacle of property and it seems to merge with the ocean horizon. Trimmed by a deck and shaded lounging areas, it is also the perfect place for reading and relaxing under the sun. Exhilarating mountain and beach cove views will inspire a great workout! Hotel Punta Islita’s air-conditioned Exercise Room features a treadmill, a stepper, a spinning bike, free weights, and a multi-exercise station to enjoy during your Costa Rica vacation.

Set at ocean level, the Borrancho Beach Club features fun and sun for the entire family. Facilities include a large swimming pool, landscaped gardens, easy beach access, a children’s playground, and a casual restaurant and swim up bar. Complimentary on-call guest shuttle service is provided. Hotel Punta Islita provides complimentary wireless internet access throughout the property. A nanny from Islita town can take care of your children while you enjoy a romantic dinner or a relaxing Casa Spa treatment. You will find a laundry list, price guide, and bag in your closet. Irons and ironing boards are available at no cost. Over 85% of Hotel Punta Islita’s staff are local men and woman who have found their professional calling as managers, sous-chefs, bartenders, spa therapists, tour-guides, landscapers, and maintenance and security professionals. Hotel Punta Islita holds a four-leaf rating from the Costa Rican tourism boards Certification in Sustainable Tourism program (CST). This initiative evaluates travel services companies according to their level of compliance with responsible tourism practices.

Day 11

Punta Islita’s Beach Stay

Lodging in Punta Islita Hotel. Breakfast included.

Days at leisure to enjoy the beach, the sun and the sand, and also for relaxing in your Villa with private pool. Optional tours are available at the hotel if you are in the mood for more activities.

Day 12

Punta Islita’s Beach Stay

Lodging in Punta Islita Hotel. Breakfast included.

Days at leisure to enjoy the beach, the sun and the sand, and also for relaxing in your Villa with private pool. Optional tours are available at the hotel if you are in the mood for more activities.